The Apprentice: Episode One

I was pleased that this new show, which started last Wednesday, was as good as the American version. The formula was much the same, and very watchable. This is a quality reality TV programme.

The boys team - Impact - got off to a cracking start and, for the most part, gelled really well. The girls faffed around a lot more, they called their team First Forte.

Their first task, led by Timothy and Saira, was to buy as many flowers as they could for £500 at a flower market and sell them for as much as they could.

Both teams tried to get a pitch on a street market, the boys moved on as the girls seemed to be more organised, and started out selling door to door which they did quite well, particularly Paul, who was a confident seller, and very positive.

Meanwhile, the market had no through traffic and the girls moved on. Against her team leaders instructions, at about 1pm, Miranda sold loads of flowers at less than cost price.

The girls sold out first, and the boys could hardly give away their flowers at Baker Street tube station.

In the end the girls made just over £600 on their £500 investment, and the boys made over £800, so the girls were to face Sir Alan Sugar and his panel. He was furious with Miranda for selling at less than cost, especially so early. Inspite of the fact that Adele questioned Saira's leadership style, as well as Adenike, Saira took Adenike and Miranda into the board room with her. Sir Alan later said that Miranda talked herself out of trouble, whilst Adenike spent more time criticising Saira than pulling her weight, so thus was fired.

Saira was a strong leader and seller, her tone was patronising slightly, she called her peers 'sweetheart' for example. She could get on my nerves. Adele and Miranda have also revealed themselves to be very strong people.

In the men's side, Timothy was a consistent leader, and Paul was a hard worker. Matthew appears to be the weakest link and unlikely to take constructive comments from his colleagues.

I am looking forward to the rest of this series as it is very promising.